At the earliest, as you complete your manuscript, you should begin thinking about what editions you will be publishing in. Estimated page count, target usage, and type of binding may dictate different maximum page margins for traditionally printed books. Depending on the software options (index, end/foot note, etc.) you use to produce your work separate manuscript files for each edition may be needed. Preliminary work for electronic edition may be done in a word processing application followed by a straight conversion (such as PDF) or export for more work done in a program geared to produce electronic publication manuscripts.

Using Microsoft Publisher, Adobe InDesign (or other program of this type)? While it is easy to place frames and objects outside of your established margins and even running off the edge of the page (full bleed), remember margins are necessary to produce a page pleasing to the eye and many forms of standard printing do not allow for no margin or bleed printing. Always place all elements, unless previously discussed with your publisher, within your established margins.

In the 21st century Social Networking is not going away. Where you may have “pressed the flesh” and been active in organizations to network in the past (thus getting the word out on your current and past projects), getting involved in the online community can be great if your marketing is “grass roots” based. Don’t go crazy – it will just result in more stress about learning something new: Learn about your options, join one at a time and monitor a bit before making it a marketing platform. In this way, if the interface or tone doesn’t seem right for you, you won’t gain followers you’ll abandon if you discontinue.

Pre-publication price/sale: If you don’t already know who your target audience is for your book, it’s not to early to start finding out. Once you know who your audience (potential buyers) are, contact them before your book is back from the publishers. Extend them the courtesy of a special price (we suggest at least $10 off) if they send you a paid order by the publication date. We find that giving people around a month works well for postal contacts. Email and phone contacts wouldn’t need quite as long. If you decided to go with a wholesale price as discussed last issue, you could offer the same price as pre-publication or a higher one.

By extending a pre-publication special, you single out customers and make them feel special in addition to helping out in the wallet! This is especially good for the author who is funding their own publication. Our company even offers 200 free flyers with any offset printing order to help with this effort.